While nobody wants to see a player sent off in an All-Ireland final, there is a general consensus that Richie Hogan rightly received a red card today.
His tackle on Cathal Barrett was reckless, even if it wasn't malicious, and referee James Owens was left with little choice to give him his marching orders.
Red card for Richie Hogan for late hit on Cathal Barrett #kkvtipp #rtegaa https://t.co/HNoMvyeVOn pic.twitter.com/gbz7Ar6w1Q
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 18, 2019
Almost everyone is in agreement that the right decision was made, unless you're from Kilkenny that is. Henry Shefflin certainly wasn't convinced on the Sunday Game's live coverage earlier today, and another former cat held a similar view on the highlight show tonight.
Jackie Tyrell felt Hogan was incredibly hard done by, and the situation was made a bit worse by Cathal Barrett, who he felt made the most of the situation.
'It’s a red card. James Owens did everything right' - former referee Barry Kelly gives his take on Richie Hogan's red card pic.twitter.com/kb071WaKO2
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) August 18, 2019
I just feel a bit for Richie. Could you take it in the spirit of the All-Ireland? I know maybe that it's technically a red card, but Richie's not a dirty hurler...
I don't know if it's a definite red card, it's made to look a lot worse. Cathal Barrett, for me, went down way too easy. He made an awful lot from it.
If you think back to All-Irelands between Kilkenny and Tipperary... Tommy Walsh got pulled across in '09 and bounced straight back up. I don't think he helped Richie at all.
We're not sure about that one. Regardless of intent, Hogan's challenge was careless. To blame Barrett, who no doubt would have been rattled by what was a forceful hit, is a bit bizarre.
The rest of the extended Sunday Game panel, consisting of the likes of Barry Kelly, Brendan Cummins and Enda Rowland, were unanimous in their agreement with the referee's decision.
We reckon Jackie might have his Kilkenny-tinted glasses on for this one.
